Under-pressure hospitals have declared 57 bed shortage emergencies in just 76 days as they scramble to keep up with growing demand across the state. 

The wages of 35,000 new apprentices and trainees would be subsidised under a $365.3 million Coalition pledge in Tuesday’s budget.

It’s been revealed parents are going to extraordinary lengths to keep their children off social media, including splashing cash and promising cars and overseas holidays when they turn 18. 

And pet chickens can ditch the hen house and lay claim to a place in the family home, with a Queensland-based business selling unique outfits to help stop the unwanted mess. 

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